The online slots world is divided into factions. In one sector, you’ve got the ever-popular video slots. Filled with features, bonuses and animations, these are often the most numerous spinners inside any live online casino. Sitting next to video slots are progressive jackpot games. Boasting dynamic payouts that constantly ebb and flow, these slots are also popular among online gamers.
Completing what’s essentially known as the “Big Three” are classic slots. Based on what many refer to as fruit machines, these games are almost a homage to offline gaming machines. Now, that’s not to say they’re not impressive and entertaining in their own right. However, classic online slot machines do take what was great about gaming before the internet and bring it to your door.
Whether you want to call them the missing link or not, classic slots are a big part of the industry. With that being the case, we’ve put together a complete guide to classic slots and all they offer.
Now, if you’ve played online slots before, that won’t come as a revelation. The way classic slots differ from their peers, however, is their apparent simplicity. When live fruit slots machines and one-arm bandits were the only options, the technology didn’t allow for mini-games, interactive bonuses and embedded videos. Indeed, if you’ve ever visited a brick-and-mortar casino, you’ll know the unmistakable whirr of these mechanical machines.
Online slot developers have taken these traits and turned them into virtual offerings. In practice, this means classic slots don’t feature tons of animations. What’s more, they’re not overloaded with features or free spins. Instead, what you get is a high-octane betting experience. Because the interface has been stripped back, all you have to think about is spinning reels and matching symbols. In essence, this is gaming at its purest level and, for many, the reason classic online slot machines are hugely entertaining.
Reels: Although there are some exceptions, a true online classic slot will feature three reels. In contrast, video slots typically feature five reels.
Paylines: A defining feature of video slots is that they have multiple paylines. By offering upwards of 25 ways to win, these games essentially redefined the genre. Because classic slots are based on traditional values, developers usually stick to one and not more than five paylines.
Symbols: Perhaps the easiest way to spot a classic online slot machine is its symbols. Because they’re based on fruit machines, you’ll find familiar-looking fruits such as cherries, oranges, plums and lemons. Additionally, these games contain sevens, bells, crosses and card symbols. Unless it’s a fruit-themed game, video slots feature characters and images based on whatever theme the developers have chosen.
Bonuses: As we’ve said, classic slots don’t feature many bonuses. That doesn’t mean you won’t find any in our top games. However, video slots are big on free spins and mini-games. Classic slots are more focused on spinning reels and fixed payouts.
Jackpots: Although it’s not a hard and fast rule, it’s often true that video slots have larger jackpots. This is mainly due to the fact they offer more ways to win and bonus rounds. However, while classic slots may have smaller single payouts, their speed means you have more opportunities to win. Of course, that doesn’t mean you’ll win more. However, the opportunities are there.